ZAC WILLIAMS is set to join Carlton, with the star free agent nominating the Blues as his preferred destination after informing Greater Western Sydney of his wish to leave the club.

As first reported by AFL.com.au last month, Carlton has long been considered Williams' favoured new home after the Blues placed an emphasis on recruiting speed during this year's Trade Period.

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North Melbourne had been in the mix for his signature, while Essendon is also understood to have held preliminary interest in the talented defender, but the 26-year-old appears set to join Carlton on a lucrative long-term deal.

Williams' expected arrival is set to kickstart an aggressive pursuit of ready-made talent at Ikon Park, with Essendon running defender Adam Saad and Richmond premiership player Jack Graham also on the club's radar.

Williams told the Giants on Monday of his desire to explore his free agency rights, bringing an end to a career that has featured 113 games over eight seasons with the club after he was recruited as a rookie.

"It's disappointing to receive this news as Zac has come a long way since coming through the Giants Academy pathway," the club's football boss Jason McCartney said in a statement.

"We understand that free agency is part of the current football landscape and that the players have the right to go down this path."

The Giants have already lost lockdown defender Aidan Corr, who has already requested to seek a move via free agency and looks destined to land at the Kangaroos in the coming months.

Star forward Jeremy Cameron, emerging utility Harry Perryman and a trio of first-round draft picks including Jye Caldwell, Jackson Hately and Xavier O'Halloran also remain uncontracted.